Phylogeographyj kinship and molecular ecology of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus)

The molecular ecology for sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the northern Gulf of Mexico was investigated in detail using a suite of molecular markers. In addition, several genetic related aspects for the Mediterranean Sea, North Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean putative sperm whale populations were described. These analyses have provided new insights requiring proper management to ensure the survival of the northern Gulf of Mexico sperm whale stock m an area of increasing industrial activity. The majority of surface behavioural reactions witnessed after biopsy darting were mild and short-term. No significant differences were determined between males and females and repeat sampling events on the same individual did not lead to an increase in the response level. Population structuring between the four putative populations, with respect to mtDNA, was highly significant and warrants the classification of each putative population as a unique stock for management purposes. The majority of Gulf of Mexico samples were from females and young males believed to be sexually immature based on rough size estimates. Incidental resampling of a few individuals over periods of days, months and years adds support for site-fidelity to the northern Gulf of Mexico exhibited by at least some whales. Although our sample set compares a more restricted geographic area than previous studies, the lack of significant nuclear differentiation between neighbouring populations suggests that sexually mature males disperse from their natal populations and spread their genes to the more philopatric females. The genetic composition of Gulf of Mexico sperm whale groups fits the mixed sex and bachelor group type so common in other areas of the world, while the two all-male North Sea stranding groups fit the bachelor group scenario. Relatedness within the Gulf of Mexico female-dominated groups was significantly greater than that found between groups, but still surprisingly low and composed of both single and multiple matrilines. Highly related whales (i.e. parent-offspring) were present within groups, but infrequent. The most common relationship found was that of half- siblings. The all-male bachelor groups were comprised of multiple matrilines and members were generally unrelated, although cases for half-sibling pairs were present

Using DNA as Scaffolding for the Study of FRET Enhancement by Surface Plasmons on Gold Nanogratings

Our lab seeks to enhance the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency using surface plasmons excited on gold nanogratings. Surface plasmons are longitudinal oscillations of conduction electrons that travel along a metal surface. FRET is the transfer of energy between a donor and an acceptor fluorescent molecule, the efficiency of which is strongly dependent on the distance between the donor and acceptor molecules. Additionally, we suspect the surface plasmon enhancement effectiveness depends on the distance between the donor and acceptor and the grating surface. To precisely position the donor and acceptor molecules relative to each other and the gold nanograting, we developed a protocol to use double-stranded DNA as scaffolding. In this work we describe fabrication methods for gold nanogratings, effective methods for the deposition of DNA onto gold nanogratings using a thiol attachment, and the attachment of DNA to a silanized glass slide for use as a background sample. For test runs the donor is placed at various positions along the DNA backbone for the precise positioning relative to the nanograting post deposition. We then place the samples in a homemade apparatus designed for detecting fluorescence enhancement

Recognizing Construction Equipment Activities Using a Smartphone

The purpose of this research is to develop a smartphone based system to continually analyze construction equipment activity (e.g. a skid loader moving forward, side-ways, or raising its bucket) using a variety of different sensors and give feedback to the equipment operator or the supervisor. Such a system could detect inefficiencies in construction operations and provide valuable information to project managers. The results have demonstrated that DTW is effective at identifying typical rotation patterns. It has been less effective for slow rotations over long duration or very fast rotations with short durations. The accuracy of DTW is improved when the data is accurately segmented. Use of standard deviation to segment the data is very promising. Current work involves determining the most effective window to calculate standard deviation on, and an appropriate threshold value to use for segmentation

Replicated Composite Optics Development

Advanced optical systems for applications such as grazing incidence Wolter I x-ray mirror assemblies require extraordinary mirror surfaces in ten-ns of fine surface finish and figure. The impeccable mirror surface is on the inside of the rotational mirror form. One practical method of producing devices with these requirements is to first fabricate an exterior surface for the optical device then replicate that surface to have the inverse component with lightweight characteristics. The replicate optic is not better than the master or mandrel from which it is made. This task is a continuance of previous studies to identify methods and materials for forming these extremely low roughness optical components

Recognizing Construction Equipment Activities Using a Smartphone

The purpose of this research is to develop a smartphone based system to continually analyze construction equipment activity (e.g. a skid loader moving forward, side-ways, or raising its bucket) using a variety of different sensors and give feedback to the equipment operator or the supervisor. Such a system could detect inefficiencies in construction operations and provide valuable information to project managers. The results have demonstrated that DTW is effective at identifying typical rotation patterns. It has been less effective for slow rotations over long duration or very fast rotations with short durations. The accuracy of DTW is improved when the data is accurately segmented. Use of standard deviation to segment the data is very promising. Current work involves determining the most effective window to calculate standard deviation on, and an appropriate threshold value to use for segmentation

Optical Fabrication and Measurement: AR&C and NGST

The need exists at MSFC for research and development within three major areas: (1) Automated Rendezvous and Capture (AR&C) including Video Guidance System (VGS); (2) Next Generation Space Telescope, (NGST); and (3) replicated optics. AR&C/VGS is a laser retroreflection guidance and tracking device which is used from the shuttle to provide video information regarding deployment and guidance of released satellites. NGST is the next large telescope for space to complement Hubble Space Telescope. This will be larger than HST and may be produced in segments to be assembled and aligned in space utilizing advanced mechanisms and materials. The replicated optics will involve a variety of advanced procedures and materials to produce x-ray collimating as well as imaging telescopes and optical components

Ultima Replicated Optics Research

Designs are reviewed incorporating processes suitable for replication of precision spherical segments of very large (greater than 20 meter diameter) telescopes combining ultra-lightweight and high precision. These designs must be amenable to assembly and alignment after deployment . The methods considered lie outside the present scope of fabrication, deployment and alignment considered to date. Design guidelines for reducing the weight and low frequency resonance in low G environment were given by The Serius Group, Dr. Glenn Zeiders, and are considered baseline for this activity. The goal of a rigid design of 10 Kg/sq M is being persued for the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) and is not likely adequate for advanced efforts. Flexures have been considered for maintaining the figure of many lightweight structures by control loop processes. This adds to the complexity and weight to the extent that it becomes difficult to recover the benefits. Two fabrication guidelines lead to a stiffer and concurrently lighter structure. First the use of thin vertical wall triangular structural reinforcements to increase the resistance to bending is preferred over hexagonal or square similar sections. Secondly, the incorporation of a similar back sheet on a cellular structure markedly improves the geometric stiffness. Neither improves the short range stiffness. Also often overlooked is that selected material properties must include high microyield and low hysteresis in addition to high elastic modulus to weight (stiffness). The fabrication steps can easily exceed the strain requirement

Nickel cobalt phosphorous low stress electroplating

An electrolytic plating process is provided for electrodepositing a nickel or nickel cobalt alloy which contains at least about 2% to 25% by atomic volume of phosphorous. The process solutions contains nickel and optionally cobalt sulfate, hypophosphorous acid or a salt thereof, boric acid or a salt thereof, a monodentate organic acid or a salt thereof, and a multidentate organic acid or a salt thereof. The pH of the plating bath is from about 3.0 to about 4.5. An electroplating process is also provided which includes electroplating from the bath a nickel or nickel cobalt phosphorous alloy. This process can achieve a deposit with high microyield of at least about 84 kg/mm.sup.2 (120 ksi) and a density lower than pure nickel of about 8.0 gm/cc. This process can be used to plate a deposit of essentially zero stress at plating temperatures from ambient to 70.degree. C

Evaluation of Chemical Coating Processes for AXAF

The need existed at MSFC for the development and fabrication of radioisotope calibration sources of cadmium 109 and iron 55 isotopes. This was in urgent response to the AXA-F program. Several issues persisted in creating manufacturing difficulties for the supplier. In order to meet the MSFC requirements very stringent control needed to be maintained for the coating quality, specific activity and thickness. Due to the difficulties in providing the precisely controlled devices for testing, the delivery of the sources was seriously delayed. It became imperative that these fabrication issues be resolved to avoid further delays in this AXA-F observatory key component. The objectives are: 1) Research and provide expert advice on coating materials and procedures. 2) Research and recommend solutions to problems that have been experienced with the coating process. 3) Provide recommendations on the selection and preparation of substrates. 4) Provide consultation on the actual coating process including the results of the qualification and acceptance test programs. 5) Perform independent tests at UAH or MSFC as necessary